Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing magnetic tracking error in the position and orientation determined in a magnetic tracking system having a magnetic field generator. In some embodiments, the measured position and orientation of a sensor is compared to an expected theoretical position and orientation. Any error is assumed to be from “floor distortion,” i.e., eddy currents in the floor caused by the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field transmitter. The floor distortion is modeled as being caused by eddy currents caused by a second magnetic field transmitter that is a reflection of the actual transmitter. An algorithm iteratively searches over a parameter space to minimize the difference between the measured position and orientation and the theoretical position and orientation, and applies a correction to the measured position and orientation. The measurements and corrections of the position and orientation run in real-time with no additional hardware or calibration required.

Abstract: A vacuum aspiration control system for use with a vacuum source and an aspiration catheter includes a connecting tube configured to connect the vacuum source with a lumen of an aspiration catheter. An on-off valve is operatively coupled to the connecting tube, and a sensing unit is configured to detect flow within the connecting tube and provide a signal representative of flow. A controller receives the signal to decide whether to open or close the valve. The controller may automatically close the valve to stop flow when flow through the connecting tube is unrestricted, or according to a predetermined timing sequence. The controller can further periodically open a closed valve to determine whether flow has entered an acceptable range. The controller can still further engage pulsed aspiration with a pressure manipulation assembly when flow is restricted or occluded.

Abstract: A system and method that can automatically select a frequency of a magnetic field in a magnetic tracking system. A magnetic tracking system emits an alternating magnetic field using a set of three frequencies. In the present approach, a transmitter is capable of generating multiple sets of three frequencies. A processor selects a first set of frequencies to use and causes the receiver to measure the amplitude of the magnetic field at those frequencies. In one embodiment, the frequency set having the lowest energy is selected. The processor then compares an estimated jitter at those frequencies to the actual jitter experienced using the frequencies. If the actual jitter exceeds the estimated jitter by a predetermined amount, the processor switches to a different set of frequencies and causes the receiver to measure the magnetic field at the new set of frequencies. The process may repeat using the additional sets of frequencies.

Abstract: A catheter for use in a subject's vasculature includes a rotating and axially movable instrument. The instrument includes a rounded element at its distal end connected to a body having a spiral shape. The instrument is at least partially disposed in a lumen of the catheter and is configured for axial and rotational motion within the lumen between a proximal-most position and a distal-most position, where the body includes at least one edge configured to promote removal of a target substance from the body passageway upon contact with the target substance.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for measuring and identifying real-world tremors in order to calculate and display an anti-tremor in a virtual reality world. A system may identify a tremor in a body part, such as hands, and measure the tremor movement from, e.g., body sensors, to calculate an opposite movement and animate virtual hands performing the reverse tremor motion. Depicting inverse motions, such as an anti-tremor, may be used in a few ways to therapeutically train and exercise patients to better control their tremors. Providing a visual cue may help a patient interrupt the movement, as well as provide possibilities for therapy or training muscle memory and stimulating nerve and neuron recovery. By displaying an anti-tremor with virtual hands, a VR system may be used to help train or exercise body parts experiencing tremors.

Abstract: A measurement device and methods for detecting distortion or interference in an environment are described herein. The measurement device comprises a transmitter and a receiver attached to a rigid body such that a position and orientation (P&O) of the receiver with respect to the transmitter is fixed. When measuring distortion, the transmitter transmits electromagnetic waves over one or more frequency channels and measures electromagnetic waves over the channel(s) and a P&O of the receiver relative to the transmitter may be computed. Based on the computed P&O and the known P&O of the receiver with respect to the transmitter, the system determines a level of distortion that would cause the change in position and orientation. When measuring interference, the transmitter does not transmit electromagnetic waves and the receiver measures the electromagnetic waves in the environment.

Abstract: A vacuum aspiration control system for use with a vacuum source and an aspiration catheter includes a connecting tube configured to connect the vacuum source with a lumen of an aspiration catheter. An on-off valve is operatively coupled to the connecting tube, and a sensing unit is configured to detect flow within the connecting tube and provide a signal representative of flow. A controller receives the signal to decide whether to open or close the valve. The controller may automatically close the valve to stop flow when flow through the connecting tube is unrestricted, or according to a predetermined timing sequence. The controller can further periodically open a closed valve to determine whether flow has entered an acceptable range. The controller can still further engage pulsed aspiration with a pressure manipulation assembly when flow is restricted or occluded.

Abstract: An aspiration thrombectomy system for use with a vacuum source and an aspiration catheter includes a connection tubing configured to selectively connect the aspiration catheter to the vacuum source via a controllable vacuum valve. A distal pressures sensor is configured to detect pressure at the distal end within the connection tubing. An automatic controller may operate the vacuum valve to generate fluid pressure change in the connection tubing, and detect pressure profiles in the connection tubing correlated with the generated pressure changes via the distal pressure sensor. The automatic controller may determine one or more system states in the aspiration catheter or connection tubing based on the detected pressure profiles, and may operate the vacuum valve based on the determination of system state.

Abstract: A system and method that can automatically select a frequency of a magnetic field in a magnetic tracking system. A magnetic tracking system emits an alternating magnetic field using a set of three frequencies. In the present approach, a transmitter is capable of generating multiple sets of three frequencies. A processor selects a first set of frequencies to use and causes the receiver to measure the amplitude of the magnetic field at those frequencies. In one embodiment, the frequency set having the lowest energy is selected. The processor then compares an estimated jitter at those frequencies to the actual jitter experienced using the frequencies. If the actual jitter exceeds the estimated jitter by a predetermined amount, the processor switches to a different set of frequencies and causes the receiver to measure the magnetic field at the new set of frequencies. The process may repeat using the additional sets of frequencies.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve for use with catheters in intravascular procedures. The hemostasis valve comprising a sealable fluid channel that bifurcates from a single distal lumen to two proximal lumens. An upper proximal lumen may include a funnel shaped opening to improve aspiration potential. Rotating locking mechanisms are attachable at the ends of the hemostasis valve to interlock coaxial devices or to form seals around coaxial devices. Injection molding may be used to manufacture a hemostasis valve and its components. A mold and core pins may impart external and internal shapes to a molten polymer. Once the polymer has cooled, the molded component is separated from any pins or molds and attached to other molded components to form an assembled hemostasis valve.

Abstract: A system for generating complementary data for a visual display that includes one or plurality of wearable sensors that collect tracking data for a users position, orientation, and movement. The sensor(s) are in communication with at least one processor that may be configured to receive tracking data, identify missing tracking data, generate complementary data to substitute for missing tracking data, generate a 3D model comprised of tracking data and complementary data, and communicate the 3D model to a display. Complementary tracking data may be generated by comparison to a key pose library, by comparison to past tracking data, or by inverse kinematics.

Abstract: Embolic coil implant systems and methods whereby coils are mechanically detachable are disclosed. The coils include a retention element that may be releasably retained within the distal end of an implant tool. The implant tool may include a fulcrum configured to engage a first filament and prevent the release of the coil when the first filament is engaged. Alternatively, an urging means and aperture may be disposed within the sidewall of the implant tool, and a first filament may, in conjunction with the aperture and sidewall, releasably retain the coil until the first filament is withdrawn. The implant tool may also include an alignment member for aligning the first filament.

Abstract: A target substance, such as a thrombus, is removed from a patient's body via minimally invasive technique. A catheter is maneuvered and positioned near the target substance. The catheter may have a soft, atraumatic tip constructed from a metallic backbone covered by a polymer. Target substances are drawn into the catheter via an aspiration source. Near the catheter's distal end, a blade and opposing surface are housed within the catheter, and the blade moves relative to the opposing surface within the catheter lumen in order to fragment the target substance. The substances are fragmented within the catheter into discreet and relatively uniform particles. The aspiration source, which helps ensnare target substances, also serves to evacuate the substance fragments from the patient's body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing magnetic tracking error in the position and orientation determined in an electromagnetic tracking system is disclosed. In some embodiments, a corrected position and orientation is blended with an uncorrected position and orientation based upon the calculated probability of each. To determine a corrected position and orientation, data from an IMU in the receiver is used to obtain a constraint on the orientation. In other embodiments, the amount of detected error due to electromagnetic distortion is measured. Any error is first assumed to be from “floor distortion,” and a correction is applied. If the error is still deemed too great, a constraint is again obtained from IMU data. Using this constraint, another correction for the distortion is made. The solution from this correction may be blended with a standard solution and the solution from the floor distortion to arrive at a final solution.

Abstract: A system for connection to a catheter to aspirate clot from the vasculature of a patient includes a vacuum console and a canister assembly which can be removably mounted in a mounting region of the vacuum console. The canister assembly includes a clear canister with an interior and an open top. A lid is removably attachable over the open top of the clear canister, and the clear canister has a vacuum port and a pressure sensing port each formed in a wall of the canister. The vacuum port aligns with a vacuum connector on the enclosure and the pressure sensing port aligns with a pressure sensing connector on the enclosure when the canister assembly is mounted on the mounting region of the vacuum console. The clear canister has a filter plate configured to be suspended in the interior of the clear canister at a location mid-way between the open top and a bottom to separate clot from blood as they are aspirated from the catheter.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described to render a Live Avatar View third-person view as an overlay of a first person Spectator View, as mirrored from a Virtual Reality headset, in a Dual Perspective View. In some embodiments, a clinician tablet may display Dual Perspective View with a full screen Spectator View, to maximize visibility, and render a translucent avatar from Live Avatar View (LAV) to overlay the Spectator View for simultaneous visibility during a therapy session. Spectator View may be critical to monitor for therapy guidance and an LAV conveys valuable movement and safety data. A translucent avatar overlay and activity cues allows monitoring the avatar from Live Avatar View in a way that would not block the Spectator View or occlude other body parts potentially hidden.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for allowing a magnetic tracking system to detect, and operate in close proximity in the same physical environment with, additional magnetic tracking systems. The first user's magnetic tracking system that becomes active in the physical space becomes the master system, and assigns time slots for its own transmitting antennas to generate the magnetic field which is used to determine the position and orientation of the user's limbs relative to the user's head. The master system also determines when other magnetic tracking systems become active in the physical space and assigns to those systems identification codes and time slots for their transmitting antennas to generate a magnetic field so that the position and orientation of the user's hands relative to the user's head for each of those systems may be determined. By requiring each magnetic tracking system to operate in different time slots, there is no interference between the systems.

Abstract: A vascular cage comprises a self-expandable frame including a plurality of elongated flexible bands. The frame is configured to transition between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. The expanded frame may form a three-dimensional cage configured to surround an interior volume as the frame is deployed. At least some of the plurality of bands may have a substantially rectangular cross-section.

Abstract: A system and method for performing synchronization of a magnetic field transmitter and receiver to resolve received signal phase ambiguity based upon the phases of the magnetic fields. Three orthogonal field frequencies are selected. A Fourier transform extracts the sine and cosine of the received signal, which provides the received signal phases and results in a complex signal matrix (“Sigmat”). A search is made for a phase rotation of the frequencies to achieve convergence of the Sigmat at a point it is real-valued; the search may be limited by aligning the Sigmat such that the major element becomes real-valued and rotating the other two frequencies. The correct phase is the one in which the Sigmat has a positive determinant and minimizes any remaining imaginary portion. A transmitter and receiver may be calibrated to account for any analog phase shift. Distortion of the magnetic field may also be detected and corrected.

Abstract: A system for intracranial access that includes a support assembly is described. The system includes a tubular probe shaft that may be advanced through a hole in the patient's skull. The tubular probe shaft houses a rotating element that cuts clot, and is connected to a vacuum source to aspirate clot fragments and blood from the site. The rotating element may have a bident shape.